Chemistry Department

School Calendar

Aims

The broad aims are to enable students to:

1. develop interest and maintain a sense of wonder and curiosity about chemistry;
2. construct and apply knowledge of chemistry, and appreciate the relationship between chemistry and other disciplines;
3. appreciate and understand the evolutionary nature of science;
4. develop skills for making scientific inquiries;
5. develop the ability to think scientifically, critically and creatively, and solve problems individually and collaboratively in chemistry-related contexts;
6. discuss science-related issues using the language of chemistry;
7. make informed decisions and judgments on chemistry-related issues;
8. develop open-mindedness, objectivity and pro-activeness;
9. show appropriate awareness of working safely;
10. understand and evaluate the social, ethical, economic, environmental and technological implications of chemistry, and develop an attitude of responsible citizenship.

Directives

Students are expected to:

1. acquire some knowledge and understanding in chemistry;
2. acquire an ability to follow the instructions closely in carrying out experiments;
3. acquire an ability to observe accurately and objectively;
4. acquire an ability to think scientifically and to make rational decisions;
5. acquire an ability to solve problems related to chemistry;
6. acquire an ability to communicate using the language of chemistry;
7. develop an appreciation of chemistry and its appreciation in daily life; and
8. develop an awareness of the social, economic, environmental and technological implications of chemistry and show concern for the local environment and society.

Teaching and learning activities apart from classroom lecture

Various learning activities such as experiments, group discussion, information searching in the library and on the web, oral and written presentations, completion of reading and writing tasks, decision-making exercises and project work can help students to develop an ability to use skills and thinking processes associated with the practice of science for understanding and exploring natural phenomena, problem-solving and decision-making.

Teaching strategies in relation to Self-directed Learning, our school's major concern

In response to the school's major concern, all Form 5 students are invited to participate in the “Chemists Online Self-study Award Scheme (COSAS)”. The aim of the award scheme is to enhance scientific literacy of senior secondary school students by providing them with an exposure to more advanced chemistry online lectures through self-directed learning. Twenty online seminars will be arranged to cover a wide range of chemistry topics, including synthetic polymers, gastronomy, nanomaterials and food chemistry, etc.

Students have to study the pre-seminar material, attend the online seminar and complete the online assessment items themselves. To encourage students to complete the whole task, different kinds of awards like Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond Awards will be given according to their level of achievement.